Fresh deal agreed to resolve driver-only dispute on Southern rail

A fresh deal to resolve the long-running dispute between Southern rail and the ASLEF union over driver-only trains has been agreed.

Leaders from the union have recommended members accept the new agreement following weeks of talks and a bitter row between the two sides.

A previous proposal was turned down last month, but ASLEF has said the new deal addresses its concerns.

A new ballot will be held among the union's 1,000 drivers on Southern, with the result due on 3 April.

ASLEF said it had agreed the new terms following talks in the last three weeks with officials from Southern's owners, Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR).

Mick Whelan, general secretary of the union, said: "This agreement has the full support of the negotiating team and the executive committee, and offers solutions to our concerns, as well as restoring the confidence of all parties, and the travelling public."